Public Speaking: Present First or Last?

Frank Damelio — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 03:42:30 +0000

When public speaking at networking events, your objective is memorability. You have heard that when given a string of numbers to memorize, people overwhelmingly recall the first and last. Much of the middle is forgotten. The same holds true with life experiences. For example, I’ll never forget the first professional training I delivered, and of course, I remember the most recent.

Apply this to public speaking at networking events. Given the choice it is best to go first or last. I believe going first has the greatest advantage because people have not yet “spent” their scarce attention span. Their crisp minds await the first imprint. Going last can be effective especially when there is a mixer following the event. Your words, if delivered powerfully, will linger in their minds, which will provide an easy lead-in for conversation.

Some caveats:

Going first: Late arrivals can severely detract from your presentation

Going last: At longer meetings, attention-span burnout can render your presentation inconsequential.

Tell me what you think . . .

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Public Speaking: Present First or Last?